According to the law, the airlines don't owe compensation for delayed bags. But most airlines will absorb reasonable expenses you incur while they look for your missing belongings. The definition of "reasonable" is often a subject of debate and negotiation, however. We know passengers who have collected $500 from a domestic airline, others who received less. If your bag goes missing, discuss what expenses the airline will cover with the baggage representative at the airport. Get his or her name. Then, keep all your receipts. Many times the airlines will only pay for part of the purchase cost on the theory that you'll be able to use the new items in the future. This may be the airline's rationale about the paints and clothing you purchased. In the case of luggage that is never recovered, there's a $2,500 ceiling on reimbursement from domestic airlines. Many passengers think that's what they'll be paid. Wrong. An airline will ask to see purchase receipts for items before paying you top dollar. Just keep all clothing receipts in a file in case you need them a year from now should a piece of luggage go AWOL forever.